Applications for the 2026 Awards will be open on 1st October 2025.
Focused on recognising excellence in teaching, innovation in dance education, (and dedication to community engagement), these awards highlight the best of the Scottish Dance Landscape. From top schools and inspiring teachers to rising stars and creative choreographers, the event shines a spotlight on those making a significant impact in the world of dance. It’s a night to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and influence of Scottish dance schools, educators and the vibrant dance community.
You can apply via our website once applications open. You will be asked questions relating to your award and can win by demonstrating excellence in your category. The judging process consists of a panel of experts within the field and will assess creativity, talent, and impact on the Scottish dance landscape specific to your award criteria. Finalists will be announced for each award at the beginning of 2026 and winners announced on the night of the awards – 3rd May 2026.
Anyone working within dance in Scotland.
The Scottish Dance Awards will take place at Radisson Blu Glasgow on Sunday 3rd May 2026
A panel of expert judges from the dance community will decide the finalists and winners.
Entering can give you or your dance school recognition for your hard work and achievements. It’s a great opportunity to boost your profile within the Scottish dance community, inspire others and give credibility to the work you do.
The Awards
Recognising schools or teachers who prioritise student mental/physical wellbeing, injury prevention, or positive studio culture.
Celebrates dance groups or individuals working to make Scottish dance accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities.
Recognises a dance school that has successfully engaged with the local community through outreach programs, workshops, performances, or making dance more accessible to people of all backgrounds and abilities.
Celebrates a smaller dance school that has made a big impact through high-quality teaching, student success and community involvement.
Celebrates the most inspiring and dedicated dance teacher across Scotland.
For the school with top marks in dance exams, showcasing technical excellence.
Honours a professional or independent dance production in Scotland — including work by established companies or freelance choreographers — that demonstrates artistic innovation, outstanding choreography, and exceptional performance quality. This award highlights productions that captivate audiences, push creative boundaries, and make a lasting contribution to the Scottish dance scene.
Recognises a dance school production that demonstrates excellence in creativity, choreography, and performance quality. This award celebrates the way schools bring their students’ talent to life on stage, engaging audiences and showcasing the school’s unique identity through a polished and inspiring showcase.
Recognises a dance school excelling in competitive dance, consistently achieving high standards of technical skill, artistry, and competitive success across various dance competitions.
For up-and-coming dancers who have shown remarkable skill and dedication, making them “ones to watch” in the dance scene.
Celebrates dance groups or individuals working to make Scottish dance accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities.
Acknowledges a dance school or program that provides exceptional training and development for future dance teachers, ensuring high standards in Scottish dance education.
The top award for a school showing excellence in teaching, student success, and community impact.
Recognises schools that go above and beyond in nurturing young, emerging talent.
For the teacher who goes beyond the studio, providing exceptional guidance and support.
This award recognises a school, teacher, or program dedicated to fostering a love for dance among pre-school-aged children, focusing on creativity, foundational skills, and early-stage development.
Celebrates a choreographer or group whose work showcases original, expressive, and innovative dance compositions that push creative boundaries.
Awarded to a dance school that has shown remarkable progress, either in student enrolment, achievements, community engagement, or overall growth in the past year.
For projects that bring together multiple schools, disciplines, or art forms.
Recognises an individual, faculty, or institution that has made a significant and lasting impact on the development of dance within the higher education sector.